37 C +/- 0.6 C

How is body temperature measured?

How does the body generate heat?

As a byproduct of metabolism: - Body breaks down food molecules - energy in chemical bonds of food is released - powers body. - But human body only ~25% efficient so 75% of energy from food released as heat - some allowed to escape body, some conserved to maintain body temperature.

What are the dangers of pyrexia?

Why are the elderly particularly at risk of pyrexia?

- Hypothalamus does not work as well - body temp can rise too much - heart problems & confusion.

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What is rigor?

- Episode of shaking or exaggerated shivering which can occur with a high fever (extreme reflex response).- With infection/inflammation, pyrogens "reset" the trigger temperature (at which shivering occurs) so that the body feels cold and shaking occurs to raise the temperature to the new hypothalamic temperature set point.

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What is a febrile seizure?

- Seizure occurring in children aged 6 months - 5 years, associated with fever.- Vast majority are not serious, occurring with common illnesses such as ear infections and colds.

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What are antipyretics and how do they act?

Is reducing fever always a good idea?

Unclear, evidence shows that treating fever:1. Increases death rates from infections in animals2. Worsens nasal symptoms in children with colds3. Prolongs blisters in children with chickenpox4. Blunts the immune response triggered in children in response to vaccination